Varya’s entire body tensed as the old pliers plucked the canine from her mouth. The pain, a sharp sensation followed by a head-pounding ache, she was used too. However, the ripping sound that accompanied it would never get old. It always managed to make her body go numb. The metal rod keeping her large jaw open was removed and the black jaguar shifted back into the form of a small woman. She immediately spit out a mouthful of blood into an old bucket. While all her human teeth remained, the pain did not subside. Her dull silver eyes wandered to her captor, his form blurred from the tears that appeared whether she wanted them too or not. “What a beauty...” He chuckled, cleaning off the large tooth before dropping it into a satchel by the door. “My buyers at the market, they love this stuff. The teeth are their favorites! Too bad they take too long to grow back,” he sighed, sliding over a cup of water that she immediately took and drank.

The man, whose name she had learned was Marcel over the years, often spoke to her. He rarely got an answer but did not seem bothered. He had heard rumors of a shifter wandering on no man's land years ago. Before anyone else could investigate it, he set traps an captured her himself. Seeing the shifters had a place of power again, he chained the young woman up and kept her for monetary value. He became well-renowned for selling a goddesses' “artifacts”. People traveled far and wide to see if what he had was real. While he would never reveal his source, his ability to be personable and convincing always ended up with his harvests sold.

Varya could barely remember her time before being in this dungeon of hers. As the months passed, everything just blurred together. She had been abandoned as a child, a massacre. It left most of her family dead. The entire village had been burned and pillaged by humans. She had escaped with her older brother, who decided the best course of action was to flee the kingdoms all together. He died of illness a little over a year later, complications from injuries and smoke inhalation from the event. From there on, Varya lived on her own, only occasionally venturing into small towns for supplies before disappearing back into the wilderness again.

She was pulled from her thoughts to the sound of the door locking. The satchel was gone, meaning that he was satisfied with his bounty and was off to the markets to sell it. Slowly, she rose to her feet and moved to a small table of food just within reach of her chain. Varya ate quietly, glancing up at the small amount of light she could see peeking in from a crack in the upper wall. Most of the times, this was all the sunlight she got to see. Varya was a pretty thing, although she had certainly seen better times. Her eyes were a bright silver, which popped against her light blonde hair. Her hair was lightly wavy and rather long. It usually stayed braided since it was easier to deal with that way. Her skin had been lightly tanned up until her capture. Now the pale complexion against her frail body left the woman looking quite sickly. She was about average height at 5’4” but certainly underweight due to malnutrition. Her face was still rather attractive. She had sharp features, such as a defined jaw and high set cheekbones. Her lips were a medium size and had a bit of a pout while her nose was on the smaller side but fit her face well.

Once she finished eating the few pieces of fruit and bread, she climbed over to her pile of rugs and blankets and managed to get some sleep. She always felt better sleeping when alone. Varya could never feel comfortable with her human captor around.

Varya had not noticed how much time had passed until the sun began to set, the glare streaming through the small window and into her eyes. With a huff, she shifted away from the window. The sun was setting… Marcel would have usually been back by now, surely flaunting the cash he had made off of her suffering. Has something happened? While part of her relished in the thought of the horrid man never returning, that would mean her slow death by dehydration. She surely did not want to slowly pass while chained in this dark and dreary prison. She rested her eyes again, settling back against the thin pile of blankets and drifting off for a short while. Her rest did not last long, sound from outside of the residence stirred her awake. No one ever came around here. While Varya never got to leave, the usual silence let her know that it was far away from any civilization or wanderers. Soon, the sound of shuffling and men’s voices grew louder. What was happening? Marcel never brought guests.

Quickly, she got to her feet. The heavy chain was hard to move but she still managed to drag it away from the center of the room. Had Marcel’s rambling finally met the wrong ears? From what little information she knew, mostly coming from him, her kind was still hunted. Varya feared they had been found out and she would be slaughtered like the rest. When the door opened she froze in fear, body trembling slightly as she watched armored men cautiously make their way in. Instinct led the young woman to panic, she quickly ran from the door, being caught by the heavy chain and pulled to the ground. When the men still advanced, she went to shift out of desperation but was stopped when one of the soldiers laid a hand on her shoulder. He spoke softly, explaining that she would be okay and taken to the palace. She still seemed unsure, nervous silver eyes flicking between the group members. However, it seemed that this was her best hope so she cooperated.

Varya took a sharp inhale as she was unchained, the heavy weight falling to her feet. The collar left dark bruises along her collarbones and shoulders. It was beyond a relief. As they stepped outside, she quickly squinted and turned away from the sun. Being away from the sunlight for years had left her eyes sensitive. The sudden reintroduction to the outside world was not comfortable. The trees were swaying with the wind and the air was cool. It made her shiver but she still smiled, a genuine smile. The young woman could not recall the last time she got to feel the grass under her feet. While Marcel was bound, the shoulders were far more fair to her, helping the weak woman along as they led the way. They did not tell her much and she was not really sure where they were heading. Would it be another dooming situation? Possibly, but right now she was just glad to be out of Marcel’s grasp.

Traveling made her weary. Varya did not have much strength and eventually opted to be carried by one of the shoulders. They were careful with her and she appreciated it. However, she didn't really understand why they were treating her this way. The last time Varya had come across humans they had been burning her home to the ground. What had changed while she was off the grid? Eventually, she drifted off again, only waking when the soldier announced that they had arrived. Her silver eyes shot wide as she took in the sight of the castle before her. Varya did not even know buildings could be this large. Carefully, she was let down and walked the rest of the way herself. Several times, she stopped to look around at the scenery and grand structures. Oddly enough, she found the entire group would stop and patiently wait while she did so. Soon, they entered the building and found themselves in a grand room with large ceilings.The entire place was breathtaking. Her attention turned to the tail of the brigade, watching as Marcel was dragged in and practically thrown to the floor. He was pleading with the soldiers, something she had to admit was enjoyable to see.

Varya’s attention was brought back when the soldiers suddenly stood to attention. She watched as a man entered the room, a well dressed and handsome one at that. The woman couldn't help but feel uneasy as she noticed how his eyes were trained on her. His orange eyes… She knew humans would never have them that hue. He had to be like her. That thought alone brought some comfort to her rattled mind. She still tensed when he moved over and studied her face. With his soft words, she visibly relaxed. Varya could see his anger but felt it was not directed at her. She watched in content as Marcel was brought up to face this man. When she was finally led away, she could still hear his pathetic cries.

“Disgusting,” Eero spoke richly, with the haste of irritation. His fingers flicked the blood off of his hands as a servant of his handed him a cloth to wipe his tainted fingers. The cloth had intricate designs, purely white to represent its cleanliness. It was a cloth regularly used to dab spots of dirtiness, not wipe up messes, yet Eero used it in such a manner. The blood weaved into the fine cloth leaving it poorly stained but it was of no expense to Eero. He scrubbed the rings that littered his fingers finding the blood increasingly disgusting by the second. When he was finished, he tossed the once fine cloth into the bin for it to never seen by his orange eyes again. He grunted underneath his breath as he glimpsed over at the guards that remained stationary in the room. They wore padded armor that glinted underneath the sunlight that seemingly escaped into the room. Their armor carried the emblem of the Yugen kingdom over the heart of their chest plate. The Yugen kingdom’s late king had an everlasting emblem. It was made up of many intricate lines but what was distinct about it was a blood droplet falling onto a white rose. The white rose represented the purity of the nation while the blood carried a symbolic meaning of humans. However, when Eero entered the kingdom as the new king, he had the emblem changed for he despised the one that the late king established. He changed the emblem into the same rose that the king once had, but this rose wasn’t white, rather it was a mixture of blue and orange. Underneath the rose is two hands holding it openly. The rose represented the symbolic meaning of the shapeshifters, not pure but full of power. The hands represented the humans that live among the shapeshifters, cherishing the rose. Overall it represents that humans depend, cherish, and love the shapeshifters.

The guard’s eyes were wild with trauma as they were forced to watch upon such a gruesome scene. The blood-curdling screams of the man, which now was silent, had definitely chilled them to the bone. The way their lips slimmed made it clear that they were unable to comment on what occurred. He could already predict the comments that they would make if they were able to. They would ask if Eero did the right thing. Of course, he did. Eero wasn’t regularly cold and evil in those manners but he had no choice but to be. That man, whatever his name was - Eero truly didn’t care - had hurt his goddess. She was a lady who was meant to be his and those who dare hurt her were forced to beckon to his wrath.

Meanwhile, Atlas guided Varya to her chamber. He held his arm out to her for her to grasp on to as they headed towards her room. He didn’t expect her to walk well. How could she after being locked up for what he could assume to be years? “Please find yourself to be comfortable, m’lady. We will not pressure you into giving any information that you do not feel comfortable with. It is best that you focus on getting washed up first anyway. A servant will be here soon to assist you in getting washed up. You ever feel alarmed, I will be outside of your chamber if you need me,” He bowed his head generously as he opened the door that held her from a generous sight. Inside, the warm-colored curtains didn’t shield back the everlasting sunlight that sparkled into the room. It grew accompanied by a minor breeze slipping through the cracked windows, allowing a fresh sense to succumb into the room. The bedsheets were freshly pressed for her convenience, pillows neatly littering the overly large bed. Sheer drapes hung, surrounding the bed allowing for minor privacy at night, but they were currently tied to the bedposts. A cozy rug laid perfectly beneath the bed against the polished floors. The bedroom had the light smell of expensive incense but it didn’t come across as overbearing. It was a rather feminine room yet it had pieces that came across as masculine, perfect in equality.

About half an hour after Atlas had shown her room, an older woman gently knocked on the closed doors to Varya’s chambers. “M’lady,” She called benevolently as she eased the door open. Her voice was silky smooth and almost seemed motherly. The lady tried to be sensitive in the fact that they had found Varya in a state of trauma. “Hello, dear. My name is Lucia. I am here to help you get washed up,” She pleasantly spoke as she calmly approached her. She decided not to linger for long, sticking to the task she was given. Lucia found herself wandering over to one of the doors in Varya’s room. It was a door that led to the bathroom. She stepped towards the bathtub and turned on the water, easing her knuckle under the faucet to test the temperature. She added vast oils and soaps to the water as it filled up. Lucia then guided Varya into the bathroom, assisting her by getting cleaned up. She ceased conversation, allowing Varya to be surrounded in the peace of silence. Later on, she helped brush her beautiful blonde hair and tie it out of her face. It wasn’t long until Varya was decently cleaned and clothed.

Eero’s freshly shined shoes clicked down the corridor. He was usually pressed for time, unable to enjoy the scenery of his palace but he decided to clear his schedule today. His mission was finally a success and that gave him a spark of joy. He had been waiting for this moment for years, anticipating his success. Finally, it had become a reality. He had someone to make his, someone he could have a life with. He could barely hold himself back. He had to go see her. Eero finally stood before her door. He glanced over at Atlas who stood silently beside the door. Eero had given him the task of standing guard for Varya. The last thing he wanted to happen was to get her here and then lose her on the same day. He knocked steadily, not too astonished when Lucia asked who it was. Her voice was quaint, muffled by the door that separated them as she said, “May I ask who it is?” Eero waited a couple of seconds, trying to stir together the right response. “This is your king.” He paused for a vast moment. “Is she decent?” He belatedly said, gaining a side glance from Atlas. Atlas gave an amused smile as he guided his eyes away from Eero. “Yes, sire,” He gained a response, making him open the door. His keen orange eyes glowed in an odd way as they landed on Varya. There was a way he stared that came across frightening but his demeanor showed his appreciation for her. He promptly approached her, taking in the sights of her freshly washed skin. A minor hum fell from his lips as he stood before her. His 6’3” frame towered over her but in a gentle manner. He cupped a warm hand against her cheek as he took in the sights of her eyes. She definitely washes up well. “Long live Geotic,” He whispered slowly. It may seem odd to a random person but it would make sense to Varya. The Geotic kingdom was their home, a home snatched away from them from humans. Only a shapeshifter had the right to praise that kingdom. Speaking those three words was his way of telling her that they were both shapeshifters.

Eero cleared his throat but he didn’t dare to remove his gaze off of Varya. “Whenever you feel settled I ask that you join me in my chamber. I have a lot to discuss with you. In the meantime, enjoy as many meals as you wish,” He seized her hand, kissing her knuckles in the gentlest manner. Lucia watched them with the brightest blush on her lips. It was amusing to see Lucia’s reaction as he glanced towards her for the quickest moment. He then turned away and left Varya to be alone.

Varya moved carefully, clinging to Atlas’s arm as a form of support. She did not trust her already wavering legs, strength lost long ago. Occasionally, the woman would have to pause; using this time to glance back where the echoing screams originated as well to admire the gloriously adorned halls. She came to a stop again when the cries finally stopped. For a split second, a pang of guilt hit her chest. The feeling ceased almost as soon as it had appeared. He had done nothing to receive her pity. Part of her wished his end had been a little more painful. When the room was revealed, Vera was left aghast. A prison cell could be revealed to her and the shifter would be grateful. This was far beyond any of her wildest expectations. Her attention was barely directed towards Atlas as he spoke, she carefully broke from his hold, hand lingering on his arm as she tested her footing. Once satisfied she could hold her own, she gave the guard a warm nod and moved further into the room. Immediately, she made her way to the grand windows, occasionally using the lavish furniture to support some of her weight. Carefully, Varya sank to the floor, not taking her eyes off of the sights the glass panes revealed. It was too bright and warm, a feeling she had not felt in a very long time. Infact, she did not know the last time this feeling occured. As Atlas closed the door, she did not even bother turning her head away. While the furniture was surely more comfortable, and she could not wait to sleep in the luxurious bed, Varya did not want to dirty any of the expensive quilts or pillows. For now, she was beyond content.

It all felt unreal. As she began to think of the past, her heart began to race. Could this reality be only in her imagination? Perhaps she was finally dying and hallucinating a dream finding the freedom she craved. That was foolish thinking, it was all too detailed to possibly be some sort of death dream… It was hard to grasp reality. Has she really been left behind by the rest of the world? While time brought such big changes, she had been locked in the dark. Would this be a transition she could make? Going from a slave sold for parts to a “god” was quite the difference. So much pain and suffering from her people and family, all for nothing? It seemed so, and that hurt far more than any wound she had received.

It seemed no time had passed at all when a soft voice sounded from the other side of the door. She slowly rose to her feet, watching as the matured woman carefully stepped towards the door. By demeanor alone, she could tell the woman was walking on eggshells. The calming nature of the woman helped to ease Varya’s mind and she followed the woman to the bathroom. While the woman, who introduced herself as Lucia, ran a bath Varya leaned in the doorway, nimble fingers gripping the wood for assurance. She was obviously tired, silver eyes dulled and heavy-lidded. She held onto the woman's arm as she got into the bath, careful not to pain her any. She let out a soft sigh at the feeling of warm water and delicate smells. While all of her injuries were minor, by far the most concerning was heavy bruising located on her collarbones and left ankle, both from the heavy chains that held her compliant for so many years. She tensed the first few times the woman touched her bare skin, giving a silent apology with her eyes before finally resting back against the side of the tub. Her hair was difficult to get through, but she did not mind the discomfort. It was the least amount of pain she’d dealt with. The dress nearly swallowed her delicate frame, but the soft fabric was far more comfortable than the practical rags she had arrived in. Lucia carefully helped her out of the tub and back into the main room. Upon seeing herself in a mirror, Varya froze. She brought up a pale hand, splaying it across her now clean cheek. There were no mirrors where she had been kept, the woman truly had no idea what she looked like. Looking into the mirror felt like she was looking at someone else. It was odd… Realizing she was blankly staring, Varya looked back to Lucia and offered her a small smile to show her appreciation. While the woman was kind, just like the guard she could still hear shuffling on the other side of the door, her trust was not easily obtained. She chose to stick to her vow of silence.

Once again, her body went stiff as another voice was heard, the king, the man from the corridor, the one who seemed to have organized her rescue. All of this stimulation was stressful, even if it was positive. It was far more interaction than she was used to, leaving a noticeable quivering of her hands. As the man entered, she noticed his bright orange eyes again; Varya found them captivating. As her hand found her cheek, she noticed both the warmth of it and the light metallic scent of blood it held. While that should have alarmed her, the circumstances dismissed it. That blood was Marcel’s, this man had only been avenging her dignity. As he began to speak her eyes lit up, the most lively she had been since arrival. Immediately, she moved her hand to rest atop of his and leaned into the touch. This had gained her trust, a connection, even if it was over trauma and pain she now knew they both shared. Finally, she spoke. Her voice carried a smooth accent, not too noticeable due to the raspy sound that came from prolonged silence, coming from the isle region where shifters once lived. “Long live Geotic…” she whispered. At his proposal she nodded, “You must tell me… how a beast became king.” It was more of a demand than anything, as Varya trusted him to bring her up to speed. She nodded at his goodbye and watched as the king left, Lucia shuffling out soon after. Finally, she was left on her own.

After looking around the room on her own, she promptly passed out in a mountain of soft blankets on the bed. To her, it was bliss. Varya was only awoken to the sound of light knocking at the door. Well, the sound did not really wake her, it was more so the scent of food wafting through the cracks. Rather rushed, she got up and went to the door, greeted by a servant carrying an appealing platter. Concealing her excitement, she stepped aside so he could be allowed in. The woman was silent as she set out a small table and set the meal atop of it. She left as soon as she had arrived. Varya waited until the door had shut again before digging in, keeping herself contained as she had a feeling eating too fast would only make her sick. Most of the foods were unrecognizable to her but that made them no less appetizing. She had finished a large portion of the tray before forcing herself to stop, knowing that would be enough for now. With a full stomach for the first time in what must have been years, Varya seated herself in a plush chair by the window. She stayed like this until her legs felt ready to move again. With that sign, she carefully got up and moved to the grand doors of the room. She pried them open and peaked her head out, spotting Atlas still there. Carefully, she stepped out into the hall and shut the wooden door behind her. She had spent an eternity trapped in a room. Now, she was curious about her surroundings and wished to learn more.

“M’lady,” Atlas almost blurted. His lips grew slim out of pure hesitance. He managed to catch himself, not finding it pleasurable to startle a young woman who had just arrived. Atlas stood firm on the polished floors, shifting in his guard uniform as he soon concluded that it was now the time to approach her. “It may be best to have the king guide you around if you want to explore. Please, allow me to guide you to his room,” Eero doesn’t like people wandering around, especially within his lavish palace, so Atlas was doing Varya a favor in preventing Eero from getting irritated. He bowed his head before holding out his forearm for her to hold. His face held a straight composition though his eyes showed how warm-hearted he actually was. He once again guided her as he did before, though this time he didn’t hold on to her so she didn’t fall. The food and rest did her well since she now has enough energy to stand.

The hallways were laced with gorgeous stands, freshly vased flowers, and the light illumination of the outside world. He didn’t allow Varya to stop for distractions this time, moving past all of the minor sights to see. They soon happened upon large cherry doors, carved to perfection with intricate designs, easily showing that the room itself was prosperous. “Sire,” Atlas managed to speak, though he was more hesitant than before. He allowed his knuckles to reluctantly knock on the red chestnut doors. “Enter,” A muffled voice escaped from behind the large heavily-made barrier. Atlas glanced at Varya before opening the door in hopes that she knew to not make a big deal out of meeting the king once again. Eero persisted in the farthest part of the room, facing away from his guest and guard, his arms behind his back as he gazed out a window. His hair rustled in the light breeze that slipped through his open balcony doors. His eyes gleamed oddly as he turned his head. It was more of a glance than anything. His facial gaze was purely cold, especially when he noticed she was there. “Tell me that you didn’t disrupt her to come to me,” His head turned away, not caring to gaze at them coldly for too long. “No, my sire. She exited her chamber herself. It seemed as though she wanted to explore, but that is a vast assumption on my part,” Atlas’s stance settled, finding it easier knowing that Eero wouldn’t snap at him. “Really,” Eero’s voice became warmer as he returned his gaze, a clever smile on his lips. There was a way that he smiled that was drenched in charm. “I didn’t expect that just yet, especially with the whole…situation,” He finally turned his tall form towards the door. His arms held still behind his back as he locked eyes with Varya.

“You are dismissed, Atlas,” He finally waved his hand in a flicking motion. The rings that encompassed his fingers added more finesse to the movement than he actually did himself. Atlas established a summery look towards Varya before turning and leaving. “I have been meaning to speak with you about some proper plans, but I feel it is best to inform you of what is occurring. You must be confused, yet it seems you have already made yourself at home. Please, join me on a walk.” He didn’t offer his arm like Atlas had, rather he went straight for the door, overall being respectful of her space.

The corridors were just as beautiful and tranquil as the rooms. Every space was filled further with quaint objects and nic-nacs. He would find himself stopping occasionally, especially by a window for her to sightsee the palace grounds along with the kingdom’s land. Eero’s once chilling orange eyes exploded with warmness every time she would gaze around. This was the life she deserved, not being chained in a place she could never leave...but he had a lot of room to talk about what he had planned next. “As you know, I am the king of Yugen. Eero Dell Seeley is my full name,” His voice settled as he glanced towards her in an oddly cold yet charming manner. He pressed his fingers firmly against his lavish outfit, hoping that the slightest movement will straighten his appearance. “I originated from Geotic…” He stammered, flashes of the war zooming through his mind, along with his little sister who he still holds dear in his heart. He cleared his throat before resuming. “I don’t plan on flattering you with all of the fine details.” Eero slid his fingers against the warm sunlit surface of a stand. He plucked a flower out of a vase, twisting it in his hand. It became noticeable that he was only doing it as a means to keep his mind busy, especially when he found himself returning it back to its rightful place. “I eventually became king of this newly profound kingdom. I am sure you have realized by now that I am a shifter like you.” Eero paused as he turned his attention back towards her again. “I have been searching for our kind ever since….but as a shifter king, I have a lot of responsibilities,” He finally stopped in his tracks. Eero’s eyes narrowed. He had concluded that he rather be blunt than try and schmooze Varya over. His tall structure endured before her now, looking deep into her eyes, though his eyes came off cold once again. The way his demeanor changed abruptly would easily give chills down someone’s spine. He presented himself in a manner that showed Varya that she didn’t really have a choice over the next thing he planned to state.

“You will become my wife and the queen of Yugen,”

Her body quickly stiffened as the guard let out a noise of surprise. Glancing over cautiously, she calmed seeing that he did not seem quick to anger. Varya could not help the brief look of disappointment that flashed across her face. She had simply wanted to see the place to which she had been brought. After years of captivity, followed by quite some time alone, formality was not her strong suite. Silver eyes watched the guard carefully as he began to lead her down the hall, slender hand lightly lying on his forearm. This time certainly seemed to be more in a rush. While her pace was not impressive, Varya kept up with the polished guard and was able to stay steady. Even though she seemed to be doing fine, there was a certain emptiness to her gaze, even as it wandered to admire the expensive decor that adorned the walls. Her small frame was riddled with anxiety. So much new information to take in was much to handle.

Her eyes lit up as they reached the grand doorway. Her eyes wandered up, feeling as if the top of the regal doors would never appear. The time put into the delicate artwork was obvious. Varya could hear the tense tone of Atlas’s voice, his hesitation apparent. His faltering only helped to aid in her own internalized anxiety. Should she be worried? As the gruff voice drifted through the door, she recognized it as the queen. The frail woman watched as the grand doors were swung ajar, staying a careful step behind Atlas. At first, it seemed that Eero was not at all thrilled to see them. However, this demeanor seemed to shift once he had been informed of her curiosity of the palace. She was always surprised by his size, watching as the man moved from the far side of the room to approach her and the guard. As his orange eyes locked with her, she felt a little puzzled. Varya could not tell what he felt about her. His mood seemed to fluctuate with ease. Despite this, the fact that he was of her kind brought comfort. With good reasoning, Varya was extra wary of humans. They had only hurt her thus far.

As the guard was dismissed, Varya found her gaze following the king’s hand, decorated with expensive metals and jewels. It reminded her what kind of individual she was in the presence of. This was a man with power and money. They were oh so different. It brought her to wonder, this fairly evident by slight furrowing of her brow, why exactly had she been brought here? While it made sense for the king to look after what remained of his kind, she was sure he did not harbor them all. Was this his pity?

Varya nodded as he summoned her to walk. She took a few awkward steps to catch up to his long stride. While she was not very short herself, he still towered over her. She appreciated his stops throughout the hall, giving her time to both catch up and take a short walking break. Rest and food had done her very well but had not performed a miracle. She still felt the strain of being suddenly active again. While the paintings, furniture, and various nic-nacs were enticing, it seemed her attention was almost fully to what lies beyond the glass window panes. The scenery… it was enticing, she longed to be a part of it instead of gazing from afar. As Eero made his final stop by a window and began to speak, Varya found herself a little detached. She was lost in her own thoughts. Seeing the serene lands only made her long for what she had lost more. Varya wished to return home, to the island where she had originated… where her family had been lost. They were likely in an unmarked grave with the others and she felt a need to give them proper grieving.

Her attention was pulled back as his volume rose in the slightest, likely to bring her back to him. The clearing of his throat left a pang in her chest as he spoke of his own. It was a feeling she knew all too well. What had happened left lasting effects on all of their kind. Varya glanced back to the window again, watching from the corner of her eye as he twirled a rose between his fingers, a mesmerizing movement. When she looked back, Eero was suddenly looming over her. In surprise, she fell back a little, a pale hand gripped the window’s edge to keep herself from completely losing balance. His attitude had changed, and quickly at that. The action sent a shiver up her spine, discomfort clear on her face. His words left her aghast. He planned to take her as his wife? While her immediate reaction was to protest, her lips tensed as it was clear her words meant nothing.

Quickly, she looked back to the window on her right, a slight glow of her hands and heaving of chest giving away her consideration of shifting and making an escape attempt. However, the glow ceased as quickly as it had come. In this state, running would prove to be fruitless. He held power; she had none. The quiet of the room was interrupted by the quick beating of her heart. The panic settled in but Varya managed to push it down, looking back to him with an equally cold and vacant expression. Using the groove of the wall, she steadied herself to stand straight again. What could this man possibly do that she had not already experienced? Hurt loved ones? Cause pain? Lock her away? None of it was new. “Your eyes... they may be that of our people. But your heart… that is human. A vile hybrid made by time and desperation.” She grumbled, not breaking his gaze. Varya had risen to anger, “You are mistaken if you think I will let my life slip away once again”.

Varya stood her ground, even as his massive frame closed her in. Eero had already made it clear he would not lash out and harm her. His demeanor was too controlled, too calculated. She finally broke eye contact when he made a comment on her appeal, huffing dramatically as she rolled her eyes. “You can not possibly believe that I care,” she scoffed, silver eyes carefully watching his movements. Her temper only flared more seeing how he treated her lack of compliance as an annoyance. HIs confidence in winning her favor was evident. Varya went to speak again, mouth barely opening when she was met with him looming in close again. This time, fear took over as she moved back, this was a clear sign of dominance. It was only instinct to back down from such a strong force. The look he gave her was predatory, orange eyes glowing brighter than anything she had seen before. Challenge? He could not possibly believe that she was in any state to do so. However, the confrontation left a strange feeling within her. Tired feet took a careful step back, hand still tightly gripped to the wall on her side.

Varya was at a disadvantage with both shifters and humans. Her pure lack of social interaction left her rather behind. She had not been around her kind since she was young. Any training or socialization a growing shifter would receive from the community and family had been missed out on. While on the run and in captivity, learning social cues and manners were not exactly a priority. She had a tendency to say exactly what was on her mind. Varya was not one to beat around the bush. Given this, she was oddly well spoken for her circumstances. This came from the sheer amount of literature study and reading she did during captivity. Marcel had quickly come to hate the way her empty eyes just stared at the walls for days on end. It unnerved the human and he had opted to bring her things to read. Varya had always thought of it as an odd gesture but was grateful to atleast have something.

Varya’s eyes narrowed, keeping silent as Eero looked away. She noticed the tenseness of his body and was pleasantly surprised. That display had not been completely voluntary. Even if this was a minor slip of control at best, it was certainly the first she had seen from him. Varya’s delicate fingers tapped the sill of the window beside her as he straightened himself up again, a habit she had when in thought. This could be her only opportunity to catch him off guard. Before this, she had nothing against him. Her scowl had disappeared, replaced with a more neutral expression as began to speak again. She was quickly attempting to put something together. As he spoke, her face tensed and lips slimmed. Did he truly expect her to give in so easily? He clearly had not accounted for her stubborn nature, not that he could really know that after only a few meetings… Varya found herself staring at the glorious palace floors as Eero began to stalk away, was he being truthful? Was this place truly her only hope? Regardless, this was not her home and she was sure it would never be. Despite the danger, her wish remained returning to her home lands. She could not rest easy until given the chance to return, if not to at least properly grieve what had been lost…

When Varya looked up again, he was almost out of sight. She had to act quickly, not sure when another chance would present itself. Using the wall for some push momentum, she took several quick steps until he was in closer range again. Without hesitation, she raised her voice at the king again, “I need no time to think over your proposal! My answer will be the same a week from now or a year from now,” Varya began, “I challenge you to a competition! Of what sort, I do not know. But… if you prove victorious, I will go along with your plans. However, if I prevail, you must let me go.” She said sternly, watching his body language. Varya was hoping this would work and he would be compelled to accept. This would at least allow her a chance of freedom, when before she had none.